
A comprehensive data on the low testosterone treatment options has been compiled below for your reference. This would include the options that are undertaken medically, and some self care measures.
Male hypogonadism is what we are discussing here in this article today. It is the clinical term for low testosterone in males; in other words, a disorder that is characterized by deficient or defected production of testosterone. Testosterone is known as the androgenic hormone that is produced by the testes, and highly responsible for determining the male’s secondary sexual characteristics.
This condition can be congenital, or people may develop it later in their lives, due to several factors. And how severe is the condition and how easily can it be treated, depends upon what has caused the condition, and at what point of the person’s life, it has occurred. So to understand the low testosterone treatment options better, we should have a quick look at the important causes of the condition.
Causes and Diagnosis
This problem might occur in two forms; one is known as the primary male hypogonadism, and the other one, secondary. The former one occurs from a problem that is associated with the testicles themselves. While, the latter one, is a consequence of problems somewhere else, such as in the hypothalamus or the pituitary gland. So the causes are different for these two types.
# Conditions associated with the primary form of the condition may include:
- Cancer treatment (chemotherapy or radiation therapy).
- Hemochromatosis (excess iron in blood).
- Injury to the testicles.
- Klinefelter syndrome [in this condition, the affected male may have two or more types of X chromosomes (instead of 1), in addition to Y].
- Mumps orchitis (mumps infection of the testicles).
- Undescended testicles (testicles stay in the abdomen instead of descending down into the scrotum).
# Aging could be a natural cause of secondary hypogonadism. However, apart from this, HIV/AIDS may be a possible cause, and so can obesity. Certain Inflammatory disease like tuberculosis, can also interfere with the production of testosterone in the testicles. In some people, their hypothalamus (this part of the brain controls the secretion of pituitary hormones) may not be developed properly. This is also most likely to cause male hypogonadism.
# Another important cause behind the development of the secondary form of hypothyroidism is associated with the pituitary gland. This gland may cease to function normal because of certain abnormality in it, or because of growth of tumor in or near it. All such factors may keep the gland to secrete hormones into the testicles thus, affecting the production of testosterone. Besides these causes, what most people may be unaware of is the fact that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can also leave the pituitary gland to function abnormally. TBI is when the brain collides with the inside of the skull. And one of the consequences may be the problem of low testosterone levels.
Treatment
The diagnosis involves knowing about the signs and symptoms, and tests such as analysis of the semen, imaging of the pituitary gland, biopsy of a testicular sample, and hormone testing. Studies about the genetic aspects of the affected person’s life also helps in the diagnosis.
As I have cited, low testosterone treatment is driven by the factors which have caused this condition, and the period of the person’s life when it occurred. That is why, the way the treatment is delivered may be a bit different for adult men from that for boys.
One method for raising testosterone levels is known as hormone replacement therapy. It is also known testosterone replacement therapy. With the help of this treatment option, affected males are able to restore muscle strength, improve sexual function, and most importantly prevent premature bone loss. This treatment works well in case of testicular failure. But if the pituitary gland is a responsible factor, then the patient is treated with pituitary hormone to correct the condition.
The treatment becomes more important in case of boys, because they have not fully developed their secondary sexual characteristics. Even here the treatment involves the testosterone replacement therapy, but using different methods. A successful therapy may help in the development of beard, pubic hair growth, penile growth, and muscle growth.
The treatment may include the usage of testosterone injections, patch that can deliver testosterone to the body, and rubbing testosterone gel on different parts of the body. Patients also have the option to use testosterone-based gum which has to be stuck to the gum line. And finally, oral administration is also available, but it is not so popular. The reason behind this is its risk of increasing cholesterol levels, liver problems and developing heart conditions.
Some Natural Tips to Increase Testosterone Levels
- Increase zinc in your diet.
- Increases consumption of omega-3 fatty acids.
- Exercise regularly. It helps in reducing stress and treating obesity.
- Eat more green vegetables, and fruits to ensure that you are getting enough vitamins and minerals.
- Get adequate rest and sleep.
- Take vitamin supplements, but consult a doctor first.
- Avoid sauna or steam bath, and hot shower frequently. Such activities raise the temperature of the testicles and this may affect the production of testosterone.
- Shun smoking, and limit alcohol.
Low testosterone can be a matter of serious concern, especially when it happens to children or teens. So it becomes the duty of the parents to see to it that their children get the right medical help when this condition threatens.